US20030233736A1 - Adjustable clip holder for electronic device - Google Patents
Adjustable clip holder for electronic device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030233736A1 US20030233736A1 US10/177,287 US17728702A US2003233736A1 US 20030233736 A1 US20030233736 A1 US 20030233736A1 US 17728702 A US17728702 A US 17728702A US 2003233736 A1 US2003233736 A1 US 2003233736A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- loop
- holder
- clip holder
- cord
- electronic device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C1/00—Purses; Money-bags; Wallets
- A45C1/02—Purses
- A45C2001/022—Purses releasably fitted to a button or clothing item
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
- A45F2005/025—Fastening articles to the garment with a holder or item rotatably connected to the fastening device, e.g. having a rotation axis perpendicular to the garment
- A45F2005/026—Fastening articles to the garment with a holder or item rotatably connected to the fastening device, e.g. having a rotation axis perpendicular to the garment with a pin having an enlarged head detachably connected to a fastening device, e.g. to a pin receiving slot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45F
- A45F2200/05—Holder or carrier for specific articles
- A45F2200/0516—Portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
- A45F5/021—Fastening articles to the garment to the belt
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/13—Article holder attachable to apparel or body
- Y10T24/1394—Article held by clip
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to portable electronic devices, and more particularly to an adapter for removably, mechanically coupling a portable device another object.
- Belt clips like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,184 to Hauck et al., are known in the art.
- FIG. 1 illustrated therein is a typical prior art belt clip.
- the belt clip 6 comprises a rigid, plate-like member 27 with a latching means 28 for coupling to a portable electronic device.
- the plate-like member 27 of the belt clip 6 then generally has a resilient, springy clip portion 32 for attaching the belt clip 6 to the belt 8 as indicated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art belt clip.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of a clip holder in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a first method of use of the clip holder of FIG. 2.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second method of use of the clip holder of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 6 is an exemplary latching assembly for a clip holder in accordance with the invention.
- the clip holder 200 includes a central member 201 having a support member 202 coupled thereto.
- the support member 202 may be a separate component that is attached to the central member 201 , or may be constructed as an integral component in the central member.
- a cord 204 is passed.
- the cord is preferably circular in shape and elastic, although it need not be. Any equivalent material capable of forming a flexible loop would suffice.
- the cord 204 is similar to hair elastics used to hold ponytail hairdos in place.
- the cord 204 creates two closed loops 207 , 208 .
- the loops 207 , 208 are at opposite sides of the support member 202 .
- the aperture 210 is designed such that there are frictional forces between the cord 204 and the support member 201 .
- a hook member 203 is also provided.
- the hook member 203 is coupled to the central member 201 .
- the central member 201 further includes a latching assembly 205 , which is preferably located on the opposite side of the central member 201 from the cord 204 .
- the latching assembly is for coupling the central member 201 to a portable electronic device.
- the latching assembly 205 may be any of those known in the art, and may include a push-button release 206 for decoupling the electronic device from the clip holder 200 .
- the clip holder 200 may be used in at least two different ways. The first is as shown in FIG. 2. A solid object may be passed through one loop 207 . The user then pulls the cord 204 at the other loop 208 to tighten any slack that may be present. The frictional forces keep the cord 204 from slipping.
- an optional brake button 209 may be provided that is spring coupled to a brake mechanism in the aperture 210 . The user depresses the brake button 209 to release the brake, thereby allowing the cord 204 to pass through the aperture 210 . When the brake button 209 is released, the brake grips the cord 204 , thereby stopping its motion through the aperture 210 . In either event, the hook member 203 provides a one-way stop should either the frictional forces or brake mechanism fail.
- FIG. 3 Illustrated therein is the clip holder 200 coupled to a portable electronic device 300 by way of the latching assembly 205 .
- a button 301 has been passed through the first loop, and the slack has been taken out by pulling the second loop 208 of the cord 204 .
- the electronic device 300 has thus been coupled to a button 301 in a way not possible with an ordinary belt clip.
- FIG. 4 The second way of using the clip holder 200 is shown in FIG. 4. Illustrated therein are the central member 201 , the support member 202 and the cord 204 , just as in FIG. 2. In the method illustrated in FIG. 4, however, the first loop 207 has been passed through the second loop 208 and over the hook member 203 . In this manner, a third loop 401 is formed, shown by way of line segment 400 that passes through the third loop 401 .
- the third loop 401 is a secure, closed loop supported by the hook member 203 and the second loop 208 . If the user wraps the cord 204 about another object, like a bicycle handlebar or backpack strap for example, the clip holder then serves a coupling means between the electronic device and the other object.
- the cord 204 is elastic, the cord 204 may be wrapped around an object with a thickness greater that that of the third loop 401 . The elastic 204 would then expand, thereby offering a snug fit.
- the clip holder 200 is capable of coupling to large solid objects, as well as through small holes, in ways that traditional belt clips cannot. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5.
- FIG. 6 illustrated therein is both a plan view and a side, elevated view of a clip holder 200 in accordance with the invention.
- the views of FIG. 6 are to illustrate a preferred latching assembly 205 for portable electronic devices.
- the latching assembly 205 is essentially a protrusion from the central member 201 that inserts into an aperture 210 in the electronic device.
- the latching assembly includes a retention latch 600 that is actuated by the push-button release 206 . When the push-button release 206 is depressed, a connecting member 601 causes the retention latch 600 to move within the edges of the latching assembly 205 .
Abstract
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- This invention relates generally to portable electronic devices, and more particularly to an adapter for removably, mechanically coupling a portable device another object.
- 2. Background Art
- Cellular phones are becoming ever more popular. With calling plans offering over 4000 minutes for less than $50 per month, it seems that everyone today is carrying a cellular phone. Many people like to have their cellular phones in close proximity to that they may answer calls quickly. As opposed to carrying the phones in pockets, many people today use belt clips to keep their phones close at hand.
- Belt clips, like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,184 to Hauck et al., are known in the art. Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a typical prior art belt clip. The
belt clip 6 comprises a rigid, plate-like member 27 with a latching means 28 for coupling to a portable electronic device. The plate-like member 27 of thebelt clip 6 then generally has a resilient,springy clip portion 32 for attaching thebelt clip 6 to the belt 8 as indicated in FIG. 1. - The problem with these prior art belt clips is that they are only suitable for thin, flat objects like belts. If a user wants to couple the electronic device to something that is not shaped like a belt, a bicycle handlebar for example, it would be impossible to do. The springy clip simply will not spring enough to go around a tubular piece of metal like a handlebar.
- Additionally, many people do not wear belts. Many dresses for females, for example, are sans belts. Men may in fact wear Sansabelt™ slacks. Some people are more comfortable wearing mu{grave over ()}u mu{grave over ()}us. For these users, a belt clip is ineffective for attaching an electronic device to their personage.
- There is thus a need for an improved clip holder for electronic devices.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art belt clip.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of a clip holder in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a first method of use of the clip holder of FIG. 2.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second method of use of the clip holder of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 6 is an exemplary latching assembly for a clip holder in accordance with the invention.
- A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”
- Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a preferred embodiment of a
clip holder 200 for portable electronic devices in accordance with the invention. Theclip holder 200 includes acentral member 201 having asupport member 202 coupled thereto. Note that thesupport member 202 may be a separate component that is attached to thecentral member 201, or may be constructed as an integral component in the central member. - Through an
aperture 210 formed between thesupport member 202 and thecentral member 201, acord 204 is passed. The cord is preferably circular in shape and elastic, although it need not be. Any equivalent material capable of forming a flexible loop would suffice. In the preferred embodiment, thecord 204 is similar to hair elastics used to hold ponytail hairdos in place. Thecord 204 creates two closedloops loops support member 202. Theaperture 210 is designed such that there are frictional forces between thecord 204 and thesupport member 201. - A
hook member 203 is also provided. Thehook member 203 is coupled to thecentral member 201. Thecentral member 201 further includes alatching assembly 205, which is preferably located on the opposite side of thecentral member 201 from thecord 204. The latching assembly is for coupling thecentral member 201 to a portable electronic device. Thelatching assembly 205 may be any of those known in the art, and may include a push-button release 206 for decoupling the electronic device from theclip holder 200. - The
clip holder 200 may be used in at least two different ways. The first is as shown in FIG. 2. A solid object may be passed through oneloop 207. The user then pulls thecord 204 at theother loop 208 to tighten any slack that may be present. The frictional forces keep thecord 204 from slipping. Alternatively, anoptional brake button 209 may be provided that is spring coupled to a brake mechanism in theaperture 210. The user depresses thebrake button 209 to release the brake, thereby allowing thecord 204 to pass through theaperture 210. When thebrake button 209 is released, the brake grips thecord 204, thereby stopping its motion through theaperture 210. In either event, thehook member 203 provides a one-way stop should either the frictional forces or brake mechanism fail. - Such an application is shown in FIG. 3. Illustrated therein is the
clip holder 200 coupled to a portableelectronic device 300 by way of thelatching assembly 205. Abutton 301 has been passed through the first loop, and the slack has been taken out by pulling thesecond loop 208 of thecord 204. Theelectronic device 300 has thus been coupled to abutton 301 in a way not possible with an ordinary belt clip. - The second way of using the
clip holder 200 is shown in FIG. 4. Illustrated therein are thecentral member 201, thesupport member 202 and thecord 204, just as in FIG. 2. In the method illustrated in FIG. 4, however, thefirst loop 207 has been passed through thesecond loop 208 and over thehook member 203. In this manner, athird loop 401 is formed, shown by way of line segment 400 that passes through thethird loop 401. Thethird loop 401 is a secure, closed loop supported by thehook member 203 and thesecond loop 208. If the user wraps thecord 204 about another object, like a bicycle handlebar or backpack strap for example, the clip holder then serves a coupling means between the electronic device and the other object. If thecord 204 is elastic, thecord 204 may be wrapped around an object with a thickness greater that that of thethird loop 401. The elastic 204 would then expand, thereby offering a snug fit. Hence, theclip holder 200 is capable of coupling to large solid objects, as well as through small holes, in ways that traditional belt clips cannot. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5. - Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is both a plan view and a side, elevated view of a
clip holder 200 in accordance with the invention. The views of FIG. 6 are to illustrate apreferred latching assembly 205 for portable electronic devices. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that any number of equivalent latching systems may be substituted for this exemplary embodiment. The latchingassembly 205 is essentially a protrusion from thecentral member 201 that inserts into anaperture 210 in the electronic device. The latching assembly includes aretention latch 600 that is actuated by the push-button release 206. When the push-button release 206 is depressed, a connecting member 601 causes theretention latch 600 to move within the edges of the latchingassembly 205. This allows the latchingassembly 205 to move freely in theaperture 210. Once the latchingassembly 205 is within theaperture 210, the spring-loaded push-button release is released, thereby causing theretention latch 600 to mate with the appropriate retention stop within theaperture 210. Theclip holder 200 is disconnected from the electronic device by following these steps in the reverse order. - While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. For example, the optional brake button and brake may be employed with the embodiment of FIG. as well as the embodiment of FIG. 2.
Claims (8)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/177,287 US20030233736A1 (en) | 2002-06-21 | 2002-06-21 | Adjustable clip holder for electronic device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/177,287 US20030233736A1 (en) | 2002-06-21 | 2002-06-21 | Adjustable clip holder for electronic device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030233736A1 true US20030233736A1 (en) | 2003-12-25 |
Family
ID=29734348
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/177,287 Abandoned US20030233736A1 (en) | 2002-06-21 | 2002-06-21 | Adjustable clip holder for electronic device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20030233736A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050284903A1 (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2005-12-29 | Knapp Christopher J | Attachment for portable electronic devices and methods for using the same |
US20070215659A1 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Knapp Christopher J | Connector for portable devices and methods for using the same |
US20070220718A1 (en) * | 2006-03-27 | 2007-09-27 | Kurt Eldracher | Personal audio device accessory |
US20080019552A1 (en) * | 2006-03-27 | 2008-01-24 | Kurt Eldracher | Personal audio device accessory |
US20130256348A1 (en) * | 2012-03-28 | 2013-10-03 | Jo Won Seuk | Badge Holder |
US9879705B2 (en) | 2014-03-25 | 2018-01-30 | Delta Cycle Corporation | Electronic device caddy |
US9963183B2 (en) | 2015-11-04 | 2018-05-08 | Delta Cycle Corporation | Holding apparatus for a device |
IT201700097528A1 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2019-03-02 | Safilo Sa Fabbrica Italiana Lavorazione Occhiali Spa | Protective case for portable electronic devices, in particular for mobile telephones |
WO2021236569A1 (en) * | 2020-05-20 | 2021-11-25 | Arora, Llc | Oral dental appliance for improving breathing |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4991236A (en) * | 1989-11-03 | 1991-02-12 | Pritchett Steven W | Hat retaining device |
US5398855A (en) * | 1994-04-05 | 1995-03-21 | Schaiewitz; Daniel | Pager carrying device |
US5459903A (en) * | 1993-12-16 | 1995-10-24 | Treacy; Brian M. | Method and apparatus for supporting an item proximate to a person's mouth |
US5465466A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1995-11-14 | Napier; Kandie K. | Fashion frame chain holders |
US5896623A (en) * | 1997-07-21 | 1999-04-27 | Martin; Mark | Reusable cable binder |
US6345747B1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2002-02-12 | Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. | Strap assembly |
US6412674B1 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2002-07-02 | Conterra, Inc. | Adjustable pocket |
-
2002
- 2002-06-21 US US10/177,287 patent/US20030233736A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4991236A (en) * | 1989-11-03 | 1991-02-12 | Pritchett Steven W | Hat retaining device |
US5459903A (en) * | 1993-12-16 | 1995-10-24 | Treacy; Brian M. | Method and apparatus for supporting an item proximate to a person's mouth |
US5398855A (en) * | 1994-04-05 | 1995-03-21 | Schaiewitz; Daniel | Pager carrying device |
US5465466A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1995-11-14 | Napier; Kandie K. | Fashion frame chain holders |
US5896623A (en) * | 1997-07-21 | 1999-04-27 | Martin; Mark | Reusable cable binder |
US6345747B1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2002-02-12 | Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. | Strap assembly |
US6412674B1 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2002-07-02 | Conterra, Inc. | Adjustable pocket |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050284903A1 (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2005-12-29 | Knapp Christopher J | Attachment for portable electronic devices and methods for using the same |
US20070215659A1 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Knapp Christopher J | Connector for portable devices and methods for using the same |
US20070220718A1 (en) * | 2006-03-27 | 2007-09-27 | Kurt Eldracher | Personal audio device accessory |
US20080019552A1 (en) * | 2006-03-27 | 2008-01-24 | Kurt Eldracher | Personal audio device accessory |
US7848512B2 (en) | 2006-03-27 | 2010-12-07 | Kurt Eldracher | Personal audio device accessory |
US20170135460A1 (en) * | 2011-04-01 | 2017-05-18 | Jo Won Seuk | Badge Holder |
US9854901B2 (en) * | 2011-04-01 | 2018-01-02 | Jo Won Seuk | Badge holder |
US9427068B2 (en) * | 2012-03-28 | 2016-08-30 | Jo Won Seuk | Badge holder |
US20130256348A1 (en) * | 2012-03-28 | 2013-10-03 | Jo Won Seuk | Badge Holder |
US9879705B2 (en) | 2014-03-25 | 2018-01-30 | Delta Cycle Corporation | Electronic device caddy |
US9963183B2 (en) | 2015-11-04 | 2018-05-08 | Delta Cycle Corporation | Holding apparatus for a device |
IT201700097528A1 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2019-03-02 | Safilo Sa Fabbrica Italiana Lavorazione Occhiali Spa | Protective case for portable electronic devices, in particular for mobile telephones |
WO2019042885A1 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2019-03-07 | SAFILO SOCIETÀ AZIONARIA FABBRICA ITALIANA LAVORAZIONE OCCHIALI S.p.A. | Protective case for portable electronic devices, in particular for mobile phones |
WO2021236569A1 (en) * | 2020-05-20 | 2021-11-25 | Arora, Llc | Oral dental appliance for improving breathing |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MOTOROLA, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FAERBER, PAUL JAMES;RYE, RYAN P.;REEL/FRAME:013039/0964 Effective date: 20020618 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EIE MATERIALS, INC,, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CURRENT LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:050807/0884 Effective date: 20190725 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CURRENT LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:EIE MATERIALS, INC;REEL/FRAME:053615/0471 Effective date: 20190725 |